President Donald Trump is urged to reconsider his stance on funding for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a critical infrastructure project that impacts both local and national economies. The bridge, vital for traffic and logistics in the Baltimore area, is essential for maintaining efficient supply chains that benefit millions of Americans.
The Key Bridge’s significance cannot be overstated. It serves as a crucial artery for commuter traffic, facilitates operations at the Port of Baltimore, and helps alleviate congestion on surrounding roadways. The port is not only a local asset but also a national economic powerhouse, supporting industries such as automotive, agriculture, and defense logistics.
Tom Jurkowsky, a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy, emphasizes that the bridge plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy and security. He points out that the Port of Baltimore generates nearly $4 billion in business revenue, contributes over $5 billion in personal income, and accounts for $647 million in state and local tax revenues. The port ranks first in the U.S. for handling auto and machinery imports and second in coal exports, with coal alone representing 28% of the nation’s total exports in this sector.
In 2023, the port set a record by handling 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo valued at nearly $81 billion. Between 1998 and 2022, container volume increased by 92%, while auto cargo surged by 196%, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. This growth underscores the critical need for a reliable transportation infrastructure, highlighted by the collapse of the old Key Bridge last year, which had facilitated between 30,000 and 35,000 vehicle trips daily.
The American Trucking Association estimated that the bridge’s failure forced approximately 4,900 trucks per day to reroute, complicating logistics and increasing costs. Before its collapse, many of these trucks carried goods worth $28 billion annually.
Federal funding to replace the Key Bridge received overwhelming bipartisan support, with a 2024 vote tally of 366-34 in the House and 85-11 in the Senate. This consensus reflects a shared understanding of the bridge’s importance for the continued functionality of the Port of Baltimore and the broader supply chain.
In April 2024, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” aimed at revitalizing U.S. maritime industries. Jurkowsky argues that the importance of Baltimore as a maritime city should not be undermined by political considerations.
He calls on the President to prioritize national interests over partisanship, stating, “Your responsibility as our president is to govern on behalf of the entire nation — not to champion partisan interests.” By supporting the new Key Bridge, Trump can demonstrate a commitment to infrastructure that benefits all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.
As the nation moves forward, the message is clear: investing in the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is an investment in the economic and logistical future of the United States.
